What Is the Super Visa?
The Super Visa is a special type of visitor visa designed specifically for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Introduced in 2011, it offers a significant advantage over a regular visitor visa: holders can stay in Canada for up to five years per entry without needing to renew their status. This makes it an excellent option for families who want to spend extended time together without the complexity and wait times of the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) for permanent residency.
Super Visa vs. Regular Visitor Visa
Understanding the differences helps you decide which option is best:
- Length of stay: A regular visitor visa typically authorizes a stay of up to six months per entry. A Super Visa allows stays of up to five years per entry.
- Validity: Both can be issued as multiple-entry visas valid for up to 10 years. However, the Super Visa's extended stay per entry makes it far more practical for long visits.
- Medical insurance: A Super Visa requires proof of private medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company. A regular visitor visa does not have this requirement.
- Financial requirement: The Super Visa requires the child or grandchild in Canada to meet a minimum income threshold. A regular visitor visa has less specific financial requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a Super Visa, both the applicant (parent or grandparent) and their child or grandchild in Canada must meet specific requirements:
The Applicant Must:
- Be a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Have a valid passport
- Be admissible to Canada (no criminal or medical inadmissibility)
- Complete an immigration medical exam with a designated panel physician
- Have private medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company that is valid for at least one year, covers health care, hospitalization, and repatriation, provides at least CAD $100,000 in coverage, and is valid for each entry to Canada
The Child or Grandchild in Canada Must:
- Provide a signed letter of invitation promising financial support during the visit
- Meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) threshold based on family size
- Provide proof of income through Canada Revenue Agency documents (Notice of Assessment, T4, or equivalent)
Minimum Necessary Income (MNI)
The MNI requirement is based on the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) tables published by Statistics Canada. The amount varies based on the total number of people in the family unit, including the persons being invited. For example, for a family unit of four persons (the child, their spouse, and two parents being invited), the income requirement for 2025 may be approximately CAD $50,000-$60,000 annually (check the current LICO table for exact figures). The child or grandchild must meet this threshold for the most recent tax year.
Required Documents
A Super Visa application typically requires:
- Completed application forms (same as a regular visitor visa: IMM 5257 and IMM 5645)
- Valid passport
- Two passport-size photographs
- Proof of relationship (birth certificate showing parent-child relationship)
- Letter of invitation from the child or grandchild in Canada
- Proof of the inviter's financial capacity (Notice of Assessment, employment letter, bank statements)
- Proof of medical insurance meeting Super Visa requirements
- Results of the immigration medical exam
- Application fee (CAD $100) and biometric fee (CAD $85)
Medical Insurance Requirements
The medical insurance requirement is unique to the Super Visa. The policy must be:
- From a Canadian insurance company
- Valid for a minimum of one year from the date of entry
- Covering at least CAD $100,000
- Providing coverage for health care, hospitalization, and repatriation
- Providing proof of payment for the insurance (showing the premium has been paid)
Several Canadian insurance providers offer Super Visa-specific policies. Shop around for the best rates, but ensure the policy meets all IRCC requirements.
Processing Times and Application Tips
Processing times for Super Visas are similar to regular visitor visas and vary by country. Apply well in advance of the planned visit. Tips for a strong application:
- Demonstrate strong ties to home country: Even though the Super Visa allows longer stays, officers still assess whether the applicant has reasons to return home.
- Ensure financial documents are current: The inviter's income proof should be from the most recent tax year.
- Provide comprehensive relationship evidence: Include birth certificates and any other documents proving the family relationship.
- Medical exam timing: Complete the medical exam before or shortly after submitting the application, as results are valid for one year.
Super Visa vs. Parents and Grandparents Program
The Super Visa and the PGP serve different purposes. The PGP leads to permanent residency but has limited annual spots and can take years. The Super Visa provides extended visits but does not lead to permanent status. Many families use the Super Visa while waiting for a PGP opportunity, allowing parents and grandparents to spend significant time in Canada in the meantime.
How Imigrando Can Help
At Imigrando, we help families navigate the Super Visa application process from start to finish. We assist with gathering the right documents, ensuring the financial and insurance requirements are met, and preparing a thorough application. Contact us to discuss how we can help bring your parents or grandparents to Canada.